New Providence Conservation Forum

Join us for a forum on reducing nutrient loss through field tile lines and funding for practices available in the South Fork watershed. Registration begins at 5:15 p.m.; an evening meal will be served at 5:30 p.m.

Speakers begin at 6:00 p.m.:

• Jason Palmer, Watershed Improvement Section Iowa DNR

Jason has been working in the South Fork Iowa River Watershed on collecting biological, habitat, and water

quality information to formulate an assessment to determine why the aquatic insect community has been

declining in health. This decline is a signal that something has changed in the river network and the stream no

longer supports the diversity it did a decade ago. The information will provide guidance on what land

management tools could be used to protect local streams. Jason’s presentation will provide information about

the progress of the assessment.

• Sean McCoy, Environmental Specialist - Iowa Water Quality Initiative

Once the farmer or landowner accepts the opportunity from the SFWA WQI water quality grant to install edge of field practices on their land, Sean and other technicians survey the field on the waterway. Sean will talk about financial incentives and explain the process of identifying how the best site is chosen and how the site determination works for the best water quality practice for the field. The Southfork Watershed Alliance will provide additional information for those interested in adding edge of field and tile inlet protection conservation practices in the South Fork of the Iowa River Watershed from its grant.

• Jacob Bolson, Hubbard farmer

Jacob and his family have participated in two previous SFWA grants from IDALS as well as the current Water Quality

Initiative grant. Jacob will speak about integrating water quality practices in his personal and family farming operations, including the utilization of no-till and cover crops.

The event is free and open to the public with a complimentary meal.

WQI Project questions contact Jo Baumann 515-290-9999 or jobaumann@me.com. 

Project funded by a Grant from Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship - Iowa Water Quality Initiative and Clean Water Iowa. 

Sponsors and Partners include: Iowa Corn, Farm Bureau, Hardin County Extension, Iowa Ag Water Alliance, Iowa Soybean, NRCS, USDA-NLAE-ARS.